The decision to come home and play for the Chicago Fire was an easy one for midfielder Michael Stephens.
“It wasn’t very difficult in (the) negotiation process, it wasn’t very long,” said the 25-year-old Naperville native during a Tuesday conference call after the team announced his signing.
“For me, I was excited to come back to my hometown to play. This is a team I’ve been a fan of for a long time. … I think there will be a lot of opportunity next year and I think it was a good fit.
Stephens is the third signing in a week for a Fire team rebuilding after a poor 2014 season. Last week they brought aboard Trinidadian midfielder/defender Joevin Jones and Nigerian striker Kennedy Igboananike.
Stephens said his flexibility and ability to play different positions brings value to the Fire.
“In my first five years professionally I’ve played in multiple positions during the season,” he said. “Obviously, I’d like to find a role on the team and lock something down, but I think my versatility is also going to help me.
“(But) I expect to play. Every team I’ve been on I’ve found a way to get on the field and I expect to do the same this year.”
Stephens was the Los Angeles Galaxy’s 2010 first-round draft pick and collected two goals and 12 assists in 95 Major League Soccer games. He was part of the Galaxy’s back-to-back berths in the MLS championship game in 2011 and 2012.
“Michael is an experienced player with four valuable seasons as a professional under his belt,” Fire coach Frank Yallop said in a statement. “He’s a local product who is familiar with MLS and we’re glad to have him join our team.”
Stephens most recently played for Norwegian club Tippeligaen Stabaek under Bob Bradley, the former Fire and U.S. national team coach. Stephens made 30 appearances with one goal and seven assists in Norwegian league play.
Stephens briefly attended Benet Academy in Lisle but did not play soccer there. He moved to Florida and U.S. Soccer’s Under-17 residency program and was selected for age group teams for the 2007 Pan-American Games and the 2009 FIFT Under-20 World Cup.
Terms of Tuesday’s transaction were not disclosed.
